Current Affairs for 26 December 2025

Binding Emission-Reduction Rules in Four Key Sectors

Context

Recently, India notified the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025, taking a significant step towards fulfilling its commitments to the Paris Agreement. These rules are the country's first legally binding emission reduction orders for industrial sectors.

Sectors Subject to Regulation

• These rules apply to four high-emission industries: aluminum, cement, chlor-alkali, and pulp and paper.
• At least 282 industrial units will be required to comply with emission intensity targets for 2025-26 and 2026-27, focusing on reducing emissions per unit of production.

Operation of India's Carbon Market

• The GEI target rules are designed to govern the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023, which is the cornerstone of India's domestic carbon market. Industrial units that achieve or exceed the targets will earn carbon credits.
• Non-compliant units will be required to purchase credits to offset their emission target reductions. This mechanism encourages reductions in overall emission intensity in the relevant sectors while ensuring flexibility.

Policy Integration and Administration

• These rules fall under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 (amended in 2022), under which the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is mandated to monitor and enforce compliance.
• According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), this aligns with India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), specifically its commitment to reduce GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

Sectoral Implications

• Cement and aluminum: Both sectors are part of the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) program under the BEE. These new rules build on this program's experience in tracking and benchmarking industrial efficiency.
• Pulp and paper, chlor-alkali: These sectors face challenges in energy efficiency and process optimization, and emission limits will accelerate technological changes towards low-carbon manufacturing.

Global Context

This notification was issued ahead of COP-30 in Brazil, where India presented it as part of its robust domestic climate policy to “bridge the gap between voluntary pledges and enforceable emissions accountability.”

Approach

• Strengthening market-based climate governance
• Encouraging investment in green technologies
• Supporting India’s vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070
• However, industry groups have called for clear monitoring guidelines and capacity building to ensure smooth compliance.

Emissions and the Rise in Renewable Energy

Context

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that global atmospheric carbon dioxide has reached a new high, reflecting extreme weather events, rising global temperatures, and destabilizing ecosystems.

Changing Global Energy Trends

• According to Ember's 'Global Electricity Mid-Year Insights 2025', renewable energy has emerged as the world's leading power source in the first half of 2025, surpassing coal.
• Solar power has doubled in the last three years, largely due to China, which contributed more than half of the global increase. Furthermore, in India, government programs such as the National Solar Mission have rapidly increased installed capacity to over 90 gigawatts.
• However, natural gas-based generation increased by 1.6% as countries turn to fossil fuels to meet the growing energy needs of AI data centers and combat the effects of intense heatwaves.

China and India: Double-Edged Progress

• China is leading solar deployment while also building 95 gigawatts of new coal capacity (CarbonBrief, 2025).
• India is continuing to expand coal capacity to ensure grid stability and energy security while moving ahead with solar and green hydrogen initiatives.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Revolution

• According to an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, 20% of global new car sales will be electric by 2024. China leads the way, with nearly half of its new cars being EVs.
• India is emerging as a strong regional stakeholder with over 3 million EVs registered (Vahan Portal, 2025) and new policies such as FAME-II and the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan are promoting adoption.
• However, geopolitical conflicts are reshaping the landscape:
• China's dominance of rare earth minerals and battery supply chains has forced Western nations to reconsider EV subsidies and delay the deadline for phasing out internal combustion engines (ICEs).
• Export restrictions on lithium and graphite are exacerbating supply chain vulnerabilities that could slow the pace of global electrification.

The Financing Gap: A Real Barrier to Change

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s World Economic Outlook 2025 report highlights the economic imbalances of climate change, stating that for the first time since 2000, the poorest countries are now spending more on debt servicing than on official development assistance.
• This leaves nations most vulnerable to climate impacts facing a fiscal gap for investments in green technologies, trapping them in a cycle of energy poverty and dependency.
• According to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, international climate financing remains well below pledged levels, hampering efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals.

Conclusion

The world stands at a crossroads between technological optimism and economic skepticism. Renewable energy, electric mobility, and low-carbon pathways are no longer future possibilities but present realities. However, without a coordinated global financial framework, equitable technological access, and political courage, the fight against climate change risks stalling midway.

India’s Push for Tsunami-Ready Coastal Communities

Why in News ?

India is set to have over 100 tsunami-ready villages across its coastline and island territories under the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme, placing it among the leading countries in the Indian Ocean region in terms of community-based tsunami preparedness.

Background & Context

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami highlighted the devastating impact of tsunamis on coastal populations, especially in countries with long coastlines and densely populated shorelines like India. Since then, India has significantly strengthened its early warning systems, institutional mechanisms, and community preparedness through bodies such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).

However, experience has shown that early warnings alone are insufficient unless local communities understand risks, evacuation routes, and response protocols. This recognition led to the adoption of community-centric disaster risk reduction frameworks, of which the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme is a key global initiative.

Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme: Overview

• An international, community-based recognition programme
• Developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO
• Implemented in tsunami-prone regions worldwide, particularly in the Indian Ocean
• Recognises communities that meet a standardised level of tsunami preparedness

Objectives of the Programme

• Build resilient coastal communities
• Enhance awareness and preparedness to protect:
  • Human life
  • Livelihoods
  • Property
• Reduce losses through:
  • Early warning dissemination
  • Planned evacuation
  • Community participation

Methodology and Certification Criteria

Standardised Indicators

• Communities must fulfil all 12 indicators, grouped under:
  • Assessment
  • Preparedness
  • Response

Key Requirements for Recognition

A Tsunami-Ready village must demonstrate:

• High levels of tsunami awareness
• Identified and mapped tsunami hazard zones
• Public display of:
  • Evacuation maps
  • Safe routes and shelters
  • Functional 24-hour tsunami warning system
• Regular participation in:
  • Mock drills
  • Community training programmes
• Clearly defined:
  • Evacuation procedures
  • Roles and responsibilities of local responders

Recognition and Validity

• Certified as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by UNESCO-IOC
• Recognition is:
  • Renewable every four years
  • Subject to continued compliance and periodic evaluation

India’s Progress Under the Programme

• India has made rapid strides in:
  • Coastal hazard mapping
  • Community training
  • Integration of warnings with local governance
• Expansion of tsunami-ready villages:
  • Covers mainland coast and island regions
  • Strengthens last-mile disaster preparedness
• Complements national frameworks such as:
  • National Disaster Management Plan
  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms

Significance for Disaster Risk Reduction

• Shifts focus from:
  • Response-centric approach
  • To preparedness-centric disaster management
• Strengthens:
  • Community ownership
  • Local resilience
  • Reduces dependency on external rescue during disasters
• Aligns with:
  • Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Japan’s Nuclear Restart Debate After Fukushima

Why in News ?

Nearly 15 years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan is preparing to restart the Kashiwazaki–Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, triggering public protests and opposition from Fukushima survivors who warn of unresolved nuclear safety risks. The move is part of Japan’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and meet rising energy demand while advancing its decarbonisation goals.

Background & Context

Japan is one of the world’s most energy-import-dependent economies, with 60–70% of electricity generation reliant on imported fossil fuels. Following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Japan sharply curtailed nuclear power generation, increasing dependence on coal, LNG, and oil.

However, new challenges—such as:

• Rapid growth of AI data centres
• Rising electricity demand
• Climate commitments for net-zero emissions

have compelled Japan to reconsider nuclear energy as a stable, low-carbon baseload power source.

Kashiwazaki–Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant: Key Facts

• World’s largest nuclear power plant by installed capacity
• Located in Niigata Prefecture, near Tokyo
• Operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)
• Houses multiple reactors with very high cumulative capacity
• Restart contingent on:
  • Regulatory clearance
  • Local government consent
  • Enhanced safety upgrades

Fukushima Nuclear Disaster (2011): Overview

• Triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami
• Flooding disabled emergency cooling systems
• Resulted in:
  • Core meltdowns in three reactors
  • Massive radiation release
• Consequences:
  • Worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl (1986)
  • Large-scale evacuations
  • Long-term exclusion zones
  • Persistent health, environmental, and social impacts

Why Japan Is Reviving Nuclear Power

• Energy Security:
  • Reduce vulnerability to global fuel price shocks
• Climate Commitments:
  • Nuclear power emits minimal greenhouse gases
• Rising Demand:
  • AI-driven digital infrastructure requires uninterrupted power
• Policy Target:
  • Increase nuclear power’s share to 20% by 2040

Safety Concerns and Public Opposition

• Survivors and civil society groups argue:
  • Seismic risks remain high
  • Trust deficit with TEPCO, given Fukushima legacy
• Kashiwazaki–Kariwa has previously faced:
  • Safety lapses
  • Regulatory scrutiny
• Highlights enduring dilemma:
  • Balancing energy security with disaster risk in seismically active regions

Broader Lessons for Nuclear Energy Governance

• Importance of:
  • Independent regulatory oversight
  • Disaster-resilient infrastructure
  • Public trust and transparency
• Nuclear energy decisions must integrate:
  • Geological risk
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Long-term waste management

India Context: Nuclear Energy Expansion

• As of 2025, India’s nuclear power capacity:
  • ~8.18 GW
• Long-term target:
  • 100 GW by 2047
• SHANTI Act, 2025:
  • Opens nuclear reactor development to private sector participation
• Aims to:
  • Mobilise investment
  • Improve efficiency
  • Accelerate clean energy transition
• Japan’s experience offers lessons for India in:
  • Safety culture
  • Disaster preparedness
  • Public engagement
    

NATGRID–NPR Linkage and Security Concerns

Why in News ?

The Union Government has linked the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) with the National Population Register (NPR), enabling authorised security and law-enforcement agencies to access family-wise demographic data of nearly 119 crore residents through a secure digital platform.

Background & Context

India’s internal security landscape has evolved significantly since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which exposed serious gaps in inter-agency coordination and intelligence sharing. In response, technology-driven mechanisms were conceptualised to break down information silos across departments.

Simultaneously, the expansion of large population databases for governance purposes has created new possibilities—and concerns—regarding surveillance, privacy, and state power. The linkage of NATGRID with NPR reflects this broader trend of data-centric security governance, raising questions about proportionality and accountability.

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Overview

• A secure, integrated intelligence-sharing platform for India’s law-enforcement and intelligence agencies
• Conceived after 26/11 attacks to enable real-time access to multiple databases
• Links datasets such as:
  • Banking and financial transactions
  • Telecom and KYC records
  • Travel and immigration data
  • Vehicle registration
  • Identity documents
• Initially accessible only to select central agencies
• Access expanded to include State police forces, particularly officers of SP rank and above
• Core objective:
  • Eliminate information silos
  • Improve coordination against:
  • Terrorism
  • Organised crime
  • Financial fraud
  • Transnational criminal networks

National Population Register (NPR): Overview

• A comprehensive demographic database of residents in India
• First compiled during the 2011 Census
• Updated in 2015 through door-to-door enumeration
• Contains information such as:
  • Name
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Address
  • Family and household relationships
• Considered the first step towards the National Register of Citizens (NRC), though the government has clarified that:
  • No decision has been taken to update NPR during the forthcoming Census
  • Remains one of the largest personal data repositories in the country

News Summary: Linking NATGRID with NPR

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has enabled NATGRID access to NPR data
• Authorised agencies can now retrieve:
  • Family-wise details
  • Household relationships
  • Identity linkages
• Enhanced analytical tools within NATGRID (such as “Gandiva”) allow:
  • Entity resolution
  • Facial recognition
  • Multi-source data analysis
• If a suspect’s image or identity is available, the system can match it with:
  • Telecom KYC
  • Driving licences
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Travel and immigration records

Safeguards and Access Controls

• NATGRID queries categorised into:
  • Non-sensitive
  • Sensitive
  • Highly sensitive
• Highly sensitive data (banking, tax, financial records):
  • Subject to additional safeguards
• Mandatory features:
  • Logging of every query
  • Clear specification of purpose
  • Senior officer oversight
• Government encouraging States to:
  • Use NATGRID more extensively
  • Promote intelligence-led policing and faster investigations

Significance for Internal Security

• Strengthens India’s counter-terrorism and crime-control capabilities
• Enables:
  • Faster identification of suspects
  • Mapping of family and social networks
  • Tracking of terror financing and organised crime
• Improves coordination between:
  • Central agencies
  • State police forces
• Reflects a shift towards:
  • Technology-driven policing
  • Data-based governance

Concerns Related to Privacy and Civil Liberties

• Access to vast personal data without mandatory FIR registration raises concerns
• Risks include:
  • Potential misuse of data
  • Surveillance overreach
  • Weak procedural safeguards
  • India currently lacks a fully operational comprehensive data protection law
• Issues of:
  • Consent
  • Proportionality
  • Redress mechanisms
    become critical
• Debate highlights tension between:
  • National security imperatives
  • Constitutional right to privacy (Puttaswamy judgment)

Way Forward

• Establish robust legal safeguards governing NATGRID access
• Ensure:
  • Clear accountability mechanisms
  • Parliamentary and judicial oversight
  • Operationalise a strong data protection framework
• Define:
  • Purpose limitation
  • Data minimisation
  • Proportional use
• Balance:
  • Security needs
  • Constitutional values of privacy and due process

Bureau of Port Security for Coastal Safeguards

Why in News ?

The Union Government has constituted the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, aimed at strengthening port, ship, and maritime security governance across India’s coastline.

Background & Context

India’s growing integration with global trade has led to rapid expansion of its port infrastructure, coastal shipping, and inland waterways. While this has improved logistics efficiency and economic competitiveness, it has simultaneously increased vulnerabilities related to maritime terrorism, smuggling, cyber threats, and illegal migration.

Past incidents such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks exposed gaps in coastal and port security coordination, leading to reforms in operational preparedness. However, regulatory oversight remained fragmented, prompting the need for a central statutory authority to ensure uniform security standards across ports.

India’s Maritime and Coastal Landscape

• India has a coastline of over 7,500 km
• As of 2025:
  • 12 major ports (under Union government control)
  • 217 non-major ports
  • 66 cargo-handling ports
  • Remaining ports support fishing and coastal activities
  • Major ports handle more than half of India’s maritime cargo
• Rapid growth in:
  • Port capacity
  • Coastal shipping
  • Inland waterway cargo movement

Security Implications

• Increased exposure to:
  • Terrorism
  • Arms and drug trafficking
  • Human trafficking and illegal migration
  • Cyber intrusions into port systems

Need for a Dedicated Port Security Authority

Earlier, coastal and port security responsibilities were distributed across multiple agencies, including:

• Indian Navy
• Indian Coast Guard
• CISF
• State Maritime Police
• Port Authorities

Challenges

• Lack of a single nodal regulator
• Coordination gaps
• Duplication of efforts
• Uneven implementation of security norms

Rationale

• Establish a central regulatory authority, similar to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in aviation

Bureau of Port Security (BoPS): Mandate and Structure

• Constituted under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
• Functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
• Modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
• Nature:
  • Regulatory and supervisory, not operational

Scope

• Security of:
  • Ships
  • Port facilities
  • Maritime infrastructure
• Applicable to:
  • Major ports
  • Non-major ports

Key Functions of the Bureau of Port Security

• Formulation and enforcement of security standards
• Oversight of:
  • Maritime terrorism
  • Arms and drug trafficking
  • Human trafficking
  • Illegal migration
  • Piracy and poaching
• Ensuring compliance with:
  • International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
• Coordination with:
  • Indian Navy
  • Coast Guard
  • CISF
  • State governments

Cybersecurity Focus

• Ports are increasingly reliant on:
  • Digital logistics systems
  • Automated cargo handling
  • Integrated communication networks
• BoPS will:
  • Monitor cybersecurity preparedness
  • Coordinate with national cybersecurity agencies
  • Protect port IT and operational technology systems from cyber threats

Role of CISF in Security Implementation

• CISF designated as a recognised security organisation
• Responsibilities:
  • Preparation of standardised port security plans
  • Conduct of security assessments
  • Training of private security agencies deployed at ports
• Security implementation to follow a:
  • Graded and risk-based approach
  • Based on vulnerability, trade volume, location, and threat perception
• Objective:
  • Balance security imperatives with ease of doing business

Maritime Growth and Strategic Context

• Port cargo handled:
  • 974 million tonnes (2014)
  • Nearly 1,600 million tonnes (2025)
• Ship turnaround time:
  • Reduced by nearly half
• Coastal shipping volumes:
  • More than doubled
• Inland waterway cargo:
  • Increased nearly eightfold

Strategic Alignment

• Supports Maritime India Vision 2030
• Aims to create:
  • World-class ports
  • Green shipping ecosystem
  • Secure maritime domain

Concerns and Criticism

• Some coastal States argue:
  • Recent port legislation increases Union control over non-major ports
  • Raises concerns regarding maritime federalism
• Criticism of:
  • Wide inspection and regulatory powers under new port laws
• These concerns relate to:
  • Broader legislative framework
  • Not exclusively to BoPS

K-4 SLBM Test from INS Arighaat

Why in News ?

India recently conducted a successful test of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. The test demonstrated India’s ability to strike targets at a distance of around 3,500 km from underwater platforms, significantly strengthening its sea-based nuclear deterrence.

Background & Context

India’s nuclear doctrine is anchored in credible minimum deterrence and a no-first-use policy, which requires a survivable second-strike capability.
To ensure this, India is developing a nuclear triad consisting of:

• Land-based ballistic missiles
• Air-delivered nuclear weapons
• Sea-based nuclear weapons (SLBMs)

The Arihant-class nuclear submarines, armed with long-range SLBMs like the K-4, form the most survivable leg of this triad, as submarines can remain concealed underwater for extended periods.

K-4 Missile: Overview

• Also known as Kalam-4 (K-4)
• A nuclear-capable, intermediate-range SLBM
• Designed primarily for deployment on Arihant-class nuclear submarines
• Each Arihant-class submarine can carry four K-4 missiles
• Indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Key Features of the K-4 Missile

• Range: Approximately 3,500 km
• Propulsion:
  • Two-stage
  • Solid-fuel system
• Launch Capability:
  • Cold-launch from underwater
  • Missile is ejected from the submarine before engine ignition, enhancing platform safety
• Guidance System:
  • Advanced inertial navigation system
  • Supported by GPS and NavIC (India’s regional navigation satellite system)
• Accuracy:
  • High precision due to multi-layered navigation support
• Penetration Capability:
  • Equipped with manoeuvring features to evade missile defence systems

Strategic Significance of the Test

• Strengthens India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence
• Enhances the operational credibility of Arihant-class submarines
• Expands India’s strategic reach across key regions
• Demonstrates:
  • Technological maturity in SLBM development
  • Progress in defence indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Reinforces India’s position as a credible nuclear power with a functional triad

INS Arighaat and India’s SSBN Programme

• INS Arighaat is part of India’s Strategic Forces Command
• Represents the next phase of India’s indigenous SSBN programme
• Designed to:
  • Remain submerged for long durations
  • Conduct deterrent patrols
• K-4 missiles allow SSBNs to strike targets without approaching hostile coastlines, improving survivability

Comparison with Other Indian SLBMs

• K-15 (Sagarika):
  • Range: ~750 km
  • Suitable for regional deterrence
• K-4:
  • Longer range
  • Enables deterrence against distant adversaries
• Reflects a graduated evolution of India’s SLBM capabilities